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Tenant Rights Guide

Landlord Responsibilities in Ontario: What They Must Do by Law

Ontario landlords have significant legal obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. Many of these obligations cannot be waived by a lease clause. Here's what your landlord is legally required to do — and what to do if they don't.

Maintenance & Repairs

  • Maintain the unit and building in a good state of repair at all times.
  • Comply with all health, safety, and property standards bylaws.
  • Make repairs even if the problem existed before the tenancy began.
  • Replace or repair appliances that were provided as part of the rental.

Heat & Utilities

  • Provide and maintain a heating system that keeps the unit at least 20°C (68°F) from September 1 to June 15.
  • If utilities are included in rent, maintain uninterrupted supply of electricity, water, and gas.
  • Cannot shut off heat or utilities to force a tenant out — this is illegal.

Pests & Hazardous Conditions

  • Maintain the premises free from pests including cockroaches, bedbugs, mice, and rats.
  • Address mould and dampness that poses a health risk.
  • Remediate any environmental hazard disclosed to the landlord.

Entry & Privacy

  • Give 24 hours written notice before entering the unit (except in emergencies).
  • Can only enter between 8am and 8pm on a day agreed with the tenant.
  • Cannot conduct repeated entries that amount to harassment.
  • Emergency entry is permitted without notice — but must be a genuine emergency.

Conduct & Non-Harassment

  • Must not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten, or interfere with a tenant.
  • Cannot change locks without the tenant's consent.
  • Cannot seize or hold a tenant's property for unpaid rent.
  • Must not interfere with a tenant's reasonable enjoyment of the unit.

Entry Notice Requirements

Your landlord must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering. The notice must state the reason for entry and the time (between 8am and 8pm). Repeated unannounced visits or excessive entries can constitute harassment and are grounds for a LTB application.

What to Do If Your Landlord Fails Their Duties

1

Document everything

Take photos, save text messages and emails, and keep a written record of issues with dates.

2

Notify in writing

Send a written notice (email is fine) describing the problem and requesting a fix within a reasonable timeframe.

3

Contact property standards

Your local municipality has a property standards department. File a complaint if the unit is unsafe.

4

File a T6 with the LTB

A T6 — Tenant Application about Maintenance allows you to seek remedies including a rent reduction, order for repairs, and compensation.

5

Get legal advice

Contact Legal Aid Ontario or your local community legal clinic, especially before a hearing.

Lease Clauses Cannot Remove These Rights

Even if your lease contains a clause that appears to waive your landlord's maintenance obligations or permits them to enter without notice, those clauses are void under the RTA. The Act's protections cannot be contracted away, regardless of what you signed.